Commencement of a new epoch in European weather prediction as MetOp-SG A1 successfully takes flight
In August 2025, Europe's MetOp-SG A1 meteorological satellite successfully launched from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This next-generation polar-orbiting weather satellite is designed to significantly enhance weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and atmospheric composition observation.
Advanced Payload Instruments
Key features of MetOp-SG A1 include six advanced atmospheric sounding and imaging instruments. Among them is the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer – New Generation (IASI-NG), METimage (visual and infrared imager), Microwave Sounder (MWS), Radio Occultation sounder, Multi-Viewing, Multi-Channel, Multi-Polarisation Imager (3MI), and the Copernicus Sentinel-5 atmospheric monitoring mission for detailed air quality and pollution data.
Data and Observation Capabilities
The satellite offers high-resolution measurements of temperature, precipitation, clouds, winds, sea ice, aerosols, pollution, soil moisture, volcanic dust, and various atmospheric gases. This broad and precise data set improves weather prediction accuracy, climate science, and environmental monitoring throughout Europe and globally.
Orbit and Technological Advancements
MetOp-SG A1 operates in a polar orbit, allowing it to circle the Earth about 14 times per day, providing near-global coverage and timely data for any location. Built by Airbus Defence and Space using the Astrobus high-power satellite platform, it incorporates advanced imaging sensors from Teledyne Space Imaging and key satellite mechanisms developed by industry partners like KONGSBERG. These innovations ensure precise instrument operation, enhanced data quality, and robust satellite functionality.
Synergy with Copernicus Program
By hosting Sentinel-5, part of the European Union’s Copernicus environmental monitoring program, the satellite optimizes mission costs and reduces environmental impact by combining meteorological and atmospheric composition missions on a single platform.
Benefits of MetOp-SG A1
Benefits of MetOp-SG A1 include improved weather forecasting accuracy and timeliness due to enhanced atmospheric measurements. It also offers enhanced climate monitoring capabilities essential for understanding and responding to climate change, particularly as Europe faces warming nearly twice the global average. The satellite also provides better air quality and pollution tracking, aiding health authorities and environmental agencies in monitoring harmful atmospheric trace gases. Furthermore, it offers provision of long-term, consistent meteorological data as part of a six-satellite constellation intended to serve Europe for the next two decades.
In conclusion, MetOp-SG A1 represents a technological leap in Europe’s weather and environmental satellite infrastructure, supporting critical scientific, public safety, and environmental objectives with its advanced instruments and high-quality data products. For more information on air quality monitoring from space, visit our website.
[1] European Space Agency. (n.d.). MetOp-SG A1. Retrieved from European Space Agency website
[2] EUMETSAT. (n.d.). MetOp-SG A1. Retrieved from EUMETSAT website
[3] Airbus. (n.d.). MetOp-SG A1. Retrieved from Airbus website
[4] Arianespace. (n.d.). MetOp-SG A1. Retrieved from Arianespace website
[5] CNES. (n.d.). MetOp-SG A1. Retrieved from CNES website
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